Sarah Guirguis Crowned this year’s Miss Universe Egypt, Aya Abdel Razik is a marvel to look out for. Aside from being a beauty queen, she is also a med student and a young up-and-coming actress. We talked to her to find out more about her and how she feels about her new title.
What does the title of Miss Universe Egypt mean to you personally?
Being a miss is both an honor and responsibility, and as a pageant fan, I know Miss Universe is the top rated beauty pageant all over the world. This makes me even more responsible and aware of everything I do. I’m aware that the younger generation considers us as role models and they look up to whatever we are doing. I saw this already when I attended the Gouna Film Festival and some cute little girls came to say hi and asked for a picture. I felt we were noticed, seen and looked up to. I aspire to be a good example for the beauty queens and prove that we are not mannequins; we are as wholesome as this title deserves.
Name a person who inspires you.
I have a very long list of people that inspire me, from celebrities to random people whom I’ve crossed paths with. On the top of this list is my mother, especially knowing what she had to go through and what she overcame to be who she is and raise me as the person who I am now. She is my role model and I wish I can handle circumstances the way she does.
How do you define success?
I see success as an endless journey not a destination. That hardworking student’s mindset is the key behind every successful person. I believe we should be always grateful but never satisfied with whatever we achieve. The more we are eager to learn new things in our lives, the more we open more doors that might lead us to new places.
How do you juggle being a pageant queen, a med student and an actress all at once?
I actually used to be that nerd sitting in the front rows at school. Once I enrolled my name in med school, which was the major I dreamed of since I was younger, I started to look for what I’m passionate about. I began taking acting workshops and small roles as a hobby. Then, once I got announced as Miss Universe Egypt, people from the cinema production field have started offering me promising deals in acting.
The trick is proper time management; I used to attend university classes in the morning and do castings and acting workshops after. I took it as a challenge to do both at the same time, since most people were telling me they believe med students are always studying and don’t have a life. This is not true because we do have time to socialize, workout and do other activities according to our preference, as long as we have proper time management.
If you had to pick, who are your favorite couture designers?
A long list of pioneer designs come to mind but my favorite is Zuhair Mourad. His latest collection was very authentic and wearing it on stage says, “this girl is Egyptian,” without me speaking a word. I also go crazy about Hany El Behairy dresses; he was our official sponsor in Miss Universe Egypt and gave us some beautifully designed gowns. I appreciate designers who accept the fact that we are not models and we don’t need to follow the international standardized measurements for models; the dress needs to accentuate our feminine body, whatever our size is.
What have been the highlights of attending the Gouna Film Festival this year?
I’m a very big fan of this festival since it’s very first edition, and I’ve always watched it on TV with my family. Having the opportunity to attend the festival this year is like a dream come true. Walking the red carpet, attending the panels and masterclasses, being among people who are passionate about cinema and art, and meeting the TV stars in person…it was a very informative and beautiful experience. I can’t wait for the next edition already!
If you could help any cause in your country, what would you probably give your attention to?
I believe we serve the best when we personally connect to what we are doing. I aspire to establish a non-profit hospital organization that tours all around Egypt and helps in the health care process of those who can’t afford it. My vision is to build a healthy community capable of functioning effectively in different fields.
Photoshoot Credits
National Director: Hoda Abboud
PR & Production : Marwa Abouzeid
Image consultant: Lamitta AlAhl
Photography: Kareem Osman
Designer: Iman Saab
Crown: Iman Saab Accessories
Jewelry: L’azurde
Makeup: Abdallah El Refaei
Hair: Alaa Boulad
Retouch & Editing: Md 4production
Location: CPC Studio
